Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanChinese

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

DowntownLemon GroveMission ValleyOld Town

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

11 restaurants available nearby

1. Grant Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1657)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.

2. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(174)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.

3. Asti Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1781)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!

A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant

4. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(95)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza

5. Operacaffe

4.7

Exceptional(1398)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!

A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant

6. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1454)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

7. Tapas & Beers

4.9

Exceptional(521)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!

8. The Desmond

4.6

Exceptional(149)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.

A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant

9. Cosmopolitan Restaurant

4.0

Excellent(341)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Old Town

Don't miss this an opportunity to join us at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel. Currently, we are open for Special Events & Holidays, only. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a Victorian style boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. The Hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant setting and is equipped with 1800's Victorian style indoor Sala's. We look forward to hosting you on your next event and hope you will join us for one of our beautiful Holiday dining experiences.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - San Diego restaurant

10. P.F. Chang's - San Diego

4.2

Awesome(380)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Mission Valley

Booked 6 times today

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

D
Danny
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Absolutely amazing service, the food was great, and a perfect atmosphere
More info
Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Michael
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our family had an outstanding experience. The staff made our 4 and 11 year olds feel special while we enjoyed a delicious fine dining experience. Highly recommend for families looking for a special meal.
More info
Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6
KM
KentMVIP
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food in casual atmosphere. Pastas are homemade and delicious
More info
OperacaffePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toledo / Northwest Ohio •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food! Wonderful red pepper hummus and pita Lentil soup and chicken wraps were the bomb! 5 stars!!
More info
Mimoza Mediterranean RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.5
L
LeslieVIP
San Diego •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
This is a great place to eat before going to the theatre. Food is carefully prepared, delicious and priced right. We are always pleased.
More info
Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6

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